Caps for foreign exchange operations without National Bank's authorization to increase gradually; Moldovan parliament passes draft in second reading

Chisinau, September 24, 2026 – Foreign exchange operations will be simplified and expanded through gradual liberalization, in two stages, ahead of the full liberalization scheduled for the date of Moldova’s accession to the European Union. The parliament has passed, in the second reading, the draft amending the Law on Foreign Exchange Regulation, which provides for the adaptation of the financial sector to new economic conditions and European requirements.

The document provides for a gradual increase in the value thresholds for conducting more foreign exchange operations without authorization from the National Bank of Moldova (BNM). Thus, the threshold will increase from 10,000 to 100,000 euros, and starting January 1, 2028, to 250,000 euros.

At the same time, the authorization requirement has been eliminated for residents’ purchase of foreign financial instruments as part of their admission to the capital and money markets of Moldova. The list of operations that may be carried out without authorization has also been expanded, including loans and borrowings granted by investment companies, non-bank lending organizations and insurance and reinsurance companies to non-residents.

The draft also provides for the elimination, starting from October 1, 2027, of the notification requirement to the BNM and the registration requirement for certain external loans and credits received by residents.

The new provisions will allow resident individuals who emigrate to open accounts abroad and transfer assets when establishing their residence or during their stay abroad. The use of foreign currency in commercial units at airports, on board aircraft, and at international border-crossing points will also be permitted.

Another adopted amendment concerns foreign exchange offices. They will be able to provide payment services and distribute or redeem electronic money, if they are registered as agents of licensed payment institutions or electronic money institutions.

The draft also strengthens the BNM’s powers in the areas of authorization, supervision and sanctions. Thus, the BNM will be able to refuse authorization for an operation that presents risks related to the application of international sanctions or the termination of correspondent banking relationships. Foreign exchange offices will also be required to submit information on their annual financial statements to the BNM.

The new legislative provisions will enter into force one month after publication in the Official Journal.





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Communication and Public Relations Directorate of Moldova’s Parliament